It's All Him!

Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and turn away from evil. It will be healing to your body and refreshment to your bones. Prov 3:7-8 (NASB) Sometimes we all feel like we deserve a pat on the back for something we've said, done, or succeeded in. That's all well and good, but the glory still must go to the Lord. It is only through His wisdom, guidance, and power that we're able to succeed in anything at all! I've seen Him work in me and in my home this week. He's shown His hand in many ways, and it's only Wednesday! There is the tendency in it all to say, "Yes! We've succeeded! We've made it this far, and things are looking better!" But, the truth is that the only reason I've seen any success is because He keeps reminding me of His Word and His instructions to me! I've only succeeded because He has strengthened me. I've only succeeded because of the Holy Spirit moving within me. My challenge is to continually acknowledge that. If I do, He will continue to work. If I don't, He just might let me see how "successful" I am on my own - just a little reminder of where the success really comes from!

Gentleness

In the same way, you wives, be submissive to your own husbands so that even if any of them are disobedient to the word, they may be won without a word by the behavior of their wives, as they observe your chaste and respectful behavior. Your adornment must not be merely external—braiding the hair, and wearing gold jewelry, or putting on dresses;but let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the imperishable quality of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is precious in the sight of God. For in this way in former times the holy women also, who hoped in God, used to adorn themselves, being submissive to their own husbands; just as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord, and you have become her children if you do what is right without being frightened by any fear. 1 Peter 3:1-6 (NASB) When God is trying to teach me something, the lessons are everywhere. No matter where I turn, He seems to illuminate the same message out of almost every Scripture passage I read. His Word is alive! Right now His lesson to me seems to be my behavior, especially toward my family. One of my favorite passages in the Bible is Phil 4:2-9. It talks greatly about behavior and attitude, and verse five says, "Let your gentle spirit be known to all men. The Lord is near." Meanwhile, I'm studying gentleness for my fruit of the Spirit Bible study this evening. All in all, God is pointing out to me the ways I am so very far from the gentleness that He is calling me to exhibit. The passage in 1 Peter stood out so greatly because it reminded me that it does not matter how I make myself up - either physically or otherwise - to the people around me. If I don't live out this attitude in my home, any beauty I try to portray is false. There is no true beauty in me if I do not have the right attitude here at home. This week is shaping up to be a very intentional week for changing my attitude, especially in the area of gentleness. I ask for prayer and accountability in this. And I pray that the changes in my home will be tangible as the Lord works in and through me in this way.

Wise Behavior

To know wisdom and instruction, to discern the sayings of understanding, to receive instruction in wise behavior, righteousness, justice and equity; to give prudence to the naive, to the youth knowledge and discretion, a wise man will hear and increase in learning, and a man of understanding will acquire wise counsel Prov 1:2-5 (NASB) There are times when it is very hard for my mind to wrap around the truth that God, the almighty Creator and Ruler of the entire universe, desires to teach me. He loves it when I receive His teaching and knowledge. And, to be honest, I really love to learn. There is nothing as exciting as receiving illumination from Him. But, I have realized that all to often I soak up the learning but then neglect the application. Learning is not just for the sake of increasing in knowledge. It must result in "wise behavior" if it is to truly be effective and useful. My challenge is to be more active in the application of what the Lord is teaching me, especially here in my home. I so passionately long to be like my Savior and I have so far to go! But, each step adds up - I'll never get there if I don't actually take those steps!